Angel Tree – Keeping the Holiday Spirit Alive

Jim Buik - Tuesday, December 24, 2013

The Chicago uniform company is excited for the pending holiday when all the boys and girls a part of Prison Fellowship’s program Angel Tree will receive their gift. Angel Tree gives children presents on behalf of incarcerated parents.

The gift is just the first point of contact though – the program aims to connect families with local congregations that can provide services throughout the year. Through that, the children are able to take part in other activities such as mentoring, summer camps and youth ministries.

The church group is very much interested in what happens after the incarcerated parent is released. Prison Fellowship works behind bars so they do not become a repeat offender, which, currently, 2/3 of the 95% released inmates are. Angel Tree works so that the children of these parents can foster a relationship while gaining respect and boosting self-esteem.

This cause is close to the uniform rental company because Chicago, the area which Roscoe serves, lands in the top five every year of the most children with incarcerated parents seeking help. Furthermore, of the 12,374 children participating, 849 are without local sponsors because 100 fewer churches are contributing compared to last year.

This is worrisome as Chicago has four neighborhoods listed on the 25 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods done by NeighborhoodScout. North Lawndale, where the Chicago uniform company is located, landed at number 13. Many of our Team Members live in the area, therefore, if Roscoe can be a part of something that will make the neighborhood safer we are wholeheartedly involved.

Our Team Members either adopted a child, some more than one, or donated to Angel Tree. This year, they were distributed through a local church, Westlawn Youth Center, which works with Prison Fellowship. This means that Jessica received her bath and body set, James is banging on his drum set, Javion is riding in his toy car and Martell is keeping warm in his coat. These are just some of the wishes of the children, but there are many more.

If you wish to find out more or to get your corporation, school, church or organization involved, click here.

Thank you to all of our Team Members at the uniform rental company for fully participating in local causes and for extending a helping hand.

Happy Holidays and a peaceful New Year; let’s continue to keep those less fortunate in our hearts.